During the peak periods of Christmas/New Year and Chinese New Year it is recommended to make reservations. Most restaurants have English speaking staff. Outside of these times you generally only need to make a reservation if you have a large group or want to dine at a popular restaurant.

Most restaurants have a vegetarian option on their menus. Most Japanese are familiar with the English term “vegetarian” but often are not sure what it means. Bacon and fish stock may appear in some “vegetarian” dishes. It is always advised to check with the wait staff before ordering.  Often the chef can leave out the meat or fish from some dishes if requested. For some useful phrases and more information, check out the Japan Veg Guide.

For middle of the range dining, lunches cost around 1,200 yen, evening meals cost around 2,000-5,000yen per person.  Naturally you can dine a lot cheaper or spend a lot more depending on the restaurant.  The free Niseko food and wine guide provides more detail to each restaurants typical dishes and prices.

With over 40 restaurants in Hirafu village and around 200 places to dine at in the Niseko Resort Area there is no shortage of options.  From traditional Japanese to Western style and from fine dining to burger and chips, something to suit all tastes can be found. 
Every winter the Niseko Promotion Board publishes a free wine and dine guide for the Niseko Resort Area.  Information in English is provided for the restaurants and bars in Niseko.

It is possible to exchange money in the village however it is advisable to exchange money at the airport where the rates are better.

Most bars and restaurants in the Niseko Ski resort do NOT accept credit cards or travelers cheques.  Restaurants that do accept credit cards may charge an extra service fee. Ski rental and ski goods stores accept credit cards and lift tickets can be purchased by credit card.

Yes, there will be an ATM located in Hyatt House Shiki Niseko that accepts Visa and Mastercard.  The main post office in Kutchan (8km's from Hirafu village) also accepts most international cards as well as the 7/11 convenience store on the way out of the village.

Niseko’s main attraction in winter is the snow.  Most non-skiing activities revolve around snow including snowmobiling, snow shoeing, horse riding and dog sledding.  For shopping or cultural experiences you will have to travel outside the resort area to either Otaru city or Sapporo city.  Trains run frequently from Kutchan station to Otaru city.

Niseko Babysitters located in Aya offers child care services. Reservations can be made through their website.